THE TWANG TOWN LOWDOWN - FRIDAY, FEB. 12TH

 

IT'S A BOY!  - CHARLES KELLEY

Charles Kelley and his wife, Cassie, are the proud parents of a new baby boy. The couple welcomed their first child, Ward Charles Kelley, yesterday morning (2/11) and they couldn't be more thrilled. They posted a message on Cassie's Womanista blog yesterday that said, "We can't stop staring at him and he hasn't stopped chitchatting with us since he arrived. 

He's got momma's nose and daddy's eyes and vocal chords and a head full of blond hair." Ward Charles came into the world weighing 7 lbs., 9 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. The couple added, "We feel like our life just began today and are so grateful for a healthy baby boy in our arms." The blog post was accompanied by an adorable photo of the Cassie lying in the hospital bed holding their baby. Cassie announced her pregnancy in August when she posted a candid entry on her Womanista blog that talked about the couple's fertility struggles.

MILITARY APPRECIATION PERFORMANCE – TOBY KEITH

Toby Keith is slated to perform during this year's annual The Players Championship PGA golf tournament as part of its full slate of military appreciation activities. On May 10, Toby will give a special performance during the Military Appreciation Day Concert, which will be held on the 17th hole of the famous TPC at Sawgrass golf course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Keith's performance will cap off the Military Appreciation Day Ceremony, which will include pageantry by military personnel, a flyover by the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, and a National Anthem performance by Byron Rowe. Toby says of taking part in the event, "I'm extremely excited to honor the men and women who serve our county by performing at The Players Championship. I have always been a proud supporter of the U.S. Military and can't wait to rock the stage for our troops and their fans." During his career, Keith has performed more than 200 USO shows and entertained over 250,000 men and women in uniform and their families. The Players Championship will be held on May 10-15.​

GWEN STEFANI ADVISING BLAKE SHELTON'S TEAM

It's official: Gwen Stefani will serve as an advisor on Blake Shelton's team when NBC's The Voice returns for its tenth season later this month. There were rumors that Blake wanted Gwen to serve as mentor to his team during the show's upcoming season, but now it's been confirmed. This will be the first time the two singers have teamed up on the show after competing against each other as opposing coaches for two seasons. Shelton tells People of Stefani's new role on Team Blake, "We know we collaborate well together as coaches, so of course I would have her as my mentor, and she's so smart and talented!" Season 10 of The Voice returns February 29 at 8 PM ET on NBC. Gwen and Blake confirmed they were dating in November.

COUNTRY IS COMING IN STRONG AT THE GRAMMY'S

Chris Stapleton is the country front runner for Monday's Grammy Awards with four nods. He grabbed nominations in the prestigious all-genre Album of the Year for Traveller, Best Country Album for Traveller, and Best Solo Country Performance and the Song of the Year songwriters' award for "Traveller." 

Sam Hunt has two nominations -- he's a contender for the all-genre Best New Artist and has a chance to take home Country Album of the Year for Montevallo. 

Little Big Town also has two nominations. They're up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Girl Crush" and Country Album of the Year for Pain Killer. The writers of "Girl Crush" are also up for Song of the Year.

Ashley Monroe also has a chance to take home two awards. She has a nomination in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category for "Lonely Tonight," her duet with Blake Shelton, and Country Album of the Year for The Blade. 

The 58th annual Grammy Awards air Monday at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Here's a complete list of the nominees in the country categories I've highlighted my picks to win!

Best Solo Country Performance

• Cam- "Burning House"
• Chris Stapleton - "Traveller"
• Carrie Underwood - "Little Toy Guns"
• Keith Urban - "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16"
• Lee Ann Womack - "Chances Are" 

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

• Brothers Osborne - "Stay a Little Longer"
• Joey and Rory - "If I Needed You"
• Charles Kelley, Dierks Bentley & Eric Paslay - "The Driver"
• Little Big Town - "Girl Crush"
• Blake Shelton featuring Ashley Monroe - "Lonely Tonight"

Best Country Song

[The award goes to the songwriter(s); artist in parentheses.]

• "Chances Are" - Hayes Carll, songwriter (Lee Ann Womack)
• "Diamond Rings and Old Barstools" - Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Jonathan Singleton, songwriters (Tim McGraw)
• "Girl Crush" - Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, songwriters (Little Big Town)
• "Hold My Hand" - Brandy Clark and Mark Stephen Jones, songwriters (Brandy Clark)
• "Traveller" - Chris Stapleton, songwriter (Chris Stapleton)

Best Country Album

• Sam Hunt - Montevallo
• Little Big Town - Pain Killer
• Ashley Monroe - The Blade
• Kacey Musgraves - Pageant Material
• Chris Stapleton - Traveller

THE D.A. OF THE DAY - FRIDAY FEB. 12TH

 

MAN SWIPES BADGES WHILE BEING QUESTIONED BY POLICE

Cops managed to pin a charge of theft on a Pennsylvania man -- after he stole several officers' badges during questioning on a completely unrelated charge.

Robert Dingeldein had been brought into the station after a call about a domestic dispute. He was put into a separate office from the woman who was also being questioned in that incident, and was left alone for a few moments, which gave him time to rifle through a desk and swipe four badges.

Police didn't realize the theft had happened until someone else returned one of the stolen badges, which led them to question a number of people who'd been through the station in the past weeks. Dingeldein ended up giving up the three badges that were in his possession, but refused to admit he'd stolen them, saying he "wasn't exactly sure" how he ended up with them. 

THIS MOTORMOUTH'S BRAIN AND CAR WERE IN NEUTRAL

Things aren't looking so rosy for a Florida woman who was hauled off to jail for blocking traffic to deliver a nonsense rant about a local flower shop -- and then attacking a cop who tried to get her to move along.

Deputies were called to a busy intersection after Patricia Jean Aaron parked her car and began shouting at other motorists, leading to a major traffic backup. One of the responding officers says that when he approached Aaron, she changed the topic of conversation to Cox Communications, her pets, and the fact that “we are fighting the same war.”

Aaron, who the cop recognized from “numerous past incidents,” then lunged at him and grabbed him by the neck, at which point he slapped the cuffs on her. 

WELL THAT'S ONE WAY TO END A MEETING:

Nothing ends a long, boring meeting quite as effectively as a woman squirting breast milk at everyone.

A Ukrainian woman got so fed up, and probably very engorged, during a meeting that didn't appear to be ending anytime soon. So as two men continued to argue, she pulled her breast from her blouse and started squirting milk all over them. A colleague captured the milk-leaking moment on video and then posted it, appropriately, to LiveLeak.  

The incident reportedly occurred at a recent law conference in Ukraine that had gone on for 14 hours. 

THE HOTLIST - FRIDAY FEB. 12

 

SHE WANTS PRE-NUP, SHE WANTS PRE-NUP

Miley Cyrus and boy toy Liam Hemsworth may have hit a bump on the road to the altar -- a bump made of cold, hard cash.

The couple reunited late last year after two years apart and look to be happier than ever, but insiders say they've been privately fighting over a pre-nup that she insists they put together. A source tells Life and Style, "They’ve had heated arguments over this. He’s a firm believer that prenups spoil the romance of a marriage and that if they are truly in love, it’s not needed. He’s assured Miley he isn’t interested in her fortune and has enough money of his own.”

Since Liam is worth an estimated $15 million, that seems fair enough -- until you remember that Miley's fortune is more than 10 times that amount -- and growing.

RYAN REYNOLDS: VOTED SEXIEST DAD

People magazine has named actor Ryan Reynolds the Sexiest Dad Alive.

Jimmy Fallon made the announcement Tuesday on the Tonight Show as Reynolds was sitting in the guest chair. The Deadpool actor will grace the cover of People which hits newsstands today. 

Reynolds and his wife, actress Blake Lively, have a one-year-old daughter named James. 

BILL COSBY: HIS WIFE WILL BE DEPOSED

Camille Cosby will have to get grilled by her husband's accusers.

A judge today (Thursday) has rejected her bid not to be deposed in Bill Cosby's defamation case brought by seven of the women who accuse him of sexual assault.

The women want to question Camille -- who is also her husband's business manager -- about his possible extramarital sex life.

While she will have to sit for the deposition, the judge ruled that she she doesn't have to answer all the questions.

The seven women say the comedian defamed them by suggesting they were lying about their claims. The next hearing in the case is set for March 8th. 

ARE YOU READY TO HEAD BACK TO HOGWARTS?

You didn't think J.K. Rowling was totally done writing Harry Potter books, did you?

She's just announced on her Pottermore site that the script for parts one and two of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be published in book form. The stage play picks up where the final chapter in the series ends, with Harry putting his own children on the Hogwarts Express train.

The book will be based on the rehearsal script and will be out after the play hits the London stage on July 30th. A revised Definitive Collector's Edition will publish later in the year.

The D.A. Of The Day - 2/10/16

 

FLORIDA MAN THROWS ALLIGATOR INTO WENDY’S

 

Last October, a man in Florida casually drove through a Wendy’s drive-thru, ordered a soft drink, and tossed a 3.5  foot long alligator through the pick-up window.

It took U.S. Marshals a while to find 23 year old Joshua James, but now that they have, he is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession and transportation of an alligator.

James told the authorities that he found the 3.5-foot alligator and put it in his truck, later tossing it into the restaurant’s kitchen. The alligator was taken to a nearby canal.

Linda James, the suspect's mother, told a local television station that her son was a jokester, and he does things like that because he thinks they are funny.

The judge did not. The man was ordered to stay out of all Wendy's restaurants, to avoid contact or possession with any animals other than his mother's dog, to undergo a mental health evaluation and to avoid possessing any weapons.

The HOTLIST - 2/10/16

NEW STAR TREK TELEVISION SERIES IN THE WORKS

 

Bryan Fuller, fresh off executive producing the recently cancelled “Hannibal,” has beamed aboard as show runner of the new “Star Trek” series, according to a CBS announcement on Tuesday.

Fuller was just a fan when he submitted a script for “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and  it  was picked up. He was eventually hired full time on “Star Trek: Voyager.” Joining him will be Alex Kurtzman, executive producer of the series, who co-wrote the last two “Star Trek” movies.

Fuller had what could have been a traumatic introduction to “Star Trek.” He recalls, "My very first experience of 'Star Trek' is my oldest brother turning off all the lights in the house and flying his model of a D7 Class Klingon Battle Cruiser through the darkened halls. Before seeing a frame of the television series, the 'Star Trek' universe lit my imagination on fire.

"It is without exaggeration a dream come true to be crafting a brand new iteration of 'Star Trek' with fellow franchise alum Alex Kurtzman and boldly going where no 'Star Trek' series has gone before."

The new mission takes place 50 years after the original “Star Trek” series debuted on CBS, and will be shown exclusively on the network's fledgling subscription streaming service. After the premiere airs on network television, successive episodes will only be available on CBS All Access in the United States.

The series is expected to debut in 2017.

CAPTAIN KIRK WOULD COME BACK IN PRESENT DAY STAR TREK

Captain Kirk, aka William Shatner, says he would come back as an older, perhaps wiser character in future "Star Trek Beyond" movies, despite the fact that he was killed in 1994 in “Star Trek: Generations.” There had been rumors that he might make the one opening this summer, but alas, that wasn’t to be.

"I would play an old Captain Kirk, absolutely," Shatner told “The Hollywood Reporter,” adding that his return would have to be "interesting" and not something that basically goes something like, "Here I am, aren't I interesting?"

Shatner added, "It's the ongoing world; it's the world within science fiction. Yes, you age within the universe. Time goes on — but time bends, as well. There [are] so many things you could do."

He is so bold as to suggest that this Captain Kirk might follow the version of the famous Star Ship captain that he wrote about in the novels he wrote, which were inspired by his life.

"Star Trek Beyond" will hit the big screen on Jul. 22.

PATTI LABELLE JOINS THE VOICE AS AN ADVISOR

Patti LaBelle has been announced as a new advisor for the 10th season of “The Voice.” She will work with Christina Aguilera’s contestants throughout the season.

"I adore Christina, so I was honored and excited when she invited me to be a part of her team and we had a ball working together!" LaBelle tells PEOPLE. "And there is so much talent on our team ... everyone else better watch out!"

Aguilera, who took a break from the show to spend more time with her family, told the magazine that it is a dream come true to work with LaBelle. “She is my girl and she has a voice like no other! It was such a great experience to have her mentor my team and she has such a great way of giving advice in a way that is clear and direct yet gentle and constructive."

“The Voice” begins its 10th season on NBC on February 29th.

DAMON OPENS UP ABOUT THE NEW JASON BOURNE

 

Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne in the movie of the same name that will open in theatres this spring. The actor says he is comfortable returning to the role with director Paul Greengrass, and he feels confident that the movie will put Bourne directly in the middle of what is going on in the world today.

Damon hasn’t portrayed Bourne since 2007’s “Bourne Ultimatum,” yet he still feels strongly about the main character and the what Bourne can contribute in a movie that brings him into the new world of 2016. Damon also had a great deal of input in the plot of the new film.

In an interview with EW, Damon explains the plot. “Since 2007, so much has changed. There’s been the financial collapse, the great recession, all these issues of cyber warfare and civil liberties – things that are slowly coming to into the zeitgeist as we start to grapple with what the future is going to look like. And so those are kind of somewhere in the stew of our story.”

The movie takes place in locations around the world, including Washington, D.C., London and Greece. Damon explains that it opens with a riot in Athens, then weaves between other cities as the plot develops.

“Jason Bourne”opens in theaters on July 29.

To see the trailer introduced on Super Bowl Sunday, click Here.

Twang Town Lowdown - Tuesday, Feb. 9th

 

KACEY MUSGRAVES WANTS MERCHANDISERS TO STOP RIPPING HER OFF:

Kacey Musgraves is putting up a fight against people stealing her lyrics to make money.

She posted a rant on Instagram, holding a wooden sign with a lyric to her song "Biscuits" that was being sold in a major western wear store. She writes, "My lyrics are being ripped off so many times and, naturally, nobody buying this stuff would ever know that the people who actually CREATED these lyrics are seeing ZERO benefits."

Kacey says there are ways to create products using intellectual property, but those procedures are not being followed. She urges her fans to notify her when they see products ripping off her lyrics. 

She asks fans, "Think before you buy. The product might be cute, but stealing ain't."

SURPRISING BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS – JASON ALDEAN

 

Over the years, Jason Aldean has been a huge supporter of those diagnosed with breast cancer and finding a cure for the disease through his partnership with Susan G. Komen, and he will continue that support during his "2016 We Were Here Tour." During select dates over the course of the tour, Aldean will surprise survivors nominated through essay submissions with concert tickets and VIP backstage access to the concert of their choice. To enter the VIP Experience & Meet-And-Greet Contest, fans can share their story of survivorship by submitting an essay at least 10 days prior to the selected concert date. Fans can enter the contest here. A sneak-peek of what fans can expect from the contest can be seen here. 

In October of last year, Aldean brought his "2015 Burn It Down Tour" to a close with a show at Coral Sky Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, Florida. During the show, which also served as the 10th Annual "Concert for the Cure," Aldean presented over $615,000 to Susan G. Komen South Florida and its mission of supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer and the ultimate goal of finding a cure for the disease. The $615,000 donated to Susan G. Komen South Florida was raised from a portion of ticket sales over the course of the tour.

THE EPIPHANY PRIZE – DOLLY PARTON

 

During the recent Movieguide Awards, Dolly Parton was presented with the Epiphany Prize for the Most Inspiring TV Program of 2015 for her NBC made-for-television movie Coat of Many Colors. Each year, the Epiphany Prize is presented to the "best, most inspiring movie and television program that resulted in a great increase in man's love or understanding of God." Parton says of receiving the honor, "I really wanted to celebrate the people, my whole family, who made me who and what I am today. I'm so blessed and thankful for a great cast, producers, director, and for everyone who watched and I'm extremely thankful to the Movieguide Awards for this honor." The presentation of the Epiphany Prizes for the Most Inspiring Movie and TV Program of 2015 is the highlight of the annual awards ceremony, which will be telecast on Monday, February 22, and Wednesday, February 24 on the REELZChannel.

Coat of Many Colors got big ratings when it premiered in December, with nearly 13 million viewers tuning into the initial broadcast. The film takes place in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains in 1955 and is based on the incidents in Parton's life around the time she was nine years old. The film starred Jennifer Nettles as Dolly's mother and young actress Alyvia Lind as a nine-year-old version of the country star.

MUSIC BIZ ARTIST OF THE YEAR – LITTLE BIG TOWN

 

The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will present its prestigious Artist of the Year Award to Little Big Town at the Music Biz 2016 Awards Luncheon in Nashville on May 18. LBT's Karen Fairchild says of receiving the honor, "This year has been absolutely amazing for our band, and we're so happy to receive this award. We've been at it for a long time and have seen more than our share of successes, but 2015 definitely takes the cake! Thanks to Music Biz for this recognition and, of course, all our fans for making it possible for us to do what we do." The event will be held at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel and will also feature the presentation of Breakthrough Artist Awards to Sam Hunt and electropop artist Halsey. The soon-to-be-announced recipients of the Chairman's Award for Sustained Creative Achievement and Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award will also be given out at the annual ceremony.